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Cueto's oblique feels fine after offseason

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Reds ace Johnny Cueto is fully recovered from the strained right oblique injury that marred his and the team's postseason.

"I don't feel anything. I feel good," Cueto said Tuesday after Reds pitchers and catchers completed their first workout of Spring Training. "I've been throwing and working since October."

Cueto has not been named to represent the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.

"I don't know yet," Cueto said of his status. "I want to."

Cueto went a career-best 19-9 with a 2.78 ERA in 33 starts and 217 innings last season to lead the Reds. He finished fourth in National League Cy Young Award balloting after finishing the season ranked third in wins and ERA, and tied for first in starts.

But Cueto had to exit Game 1 of the NL Division Series against the Giants after only eight pitches when he felt pain in his side and back.

There was no concern that Cueto would not be ready for Spring Training or the 2013 season.

"He had all winter," said manager Dusty Baker. "It's not like he had arm surgery or something."